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Page 1 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
A Registered Charity. Charity No. 219279
www.britishlegion.org.uk
NEWS FROM THE BRANCH
“SANDBAG” WINCANTON AND DISTRICT
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION NEWSLETTER Editor Tony Goddard 01963-824193
June
2015 Next branch meeting 20th July at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Hall
Also a Social Evening on 15th June at the Millers Inn with bangers & burgers in the
Beer Garden (weather permitting) - modest cost for food 7.30 p.m.
Branch secretary Arthur Pickup 01963-32952 Volume 12 Issue 4
.
Skittles Night 18th May
Our Skittles Night on 18th May was a resounding
success and great fun was had by all. It was nice to
see so many from both the Army Air Corps and
Commando Helicopter Force come to the event.
The result of the match was not so good for the
branch team though because the Army beat
everyone with a resounding score of 139 with the
CHF a close second at 135. Members did put up a
good show but only managed 122. I hear our team
will be practicing hard so who knows, there may
be a return contest !
Sandbag is early this month !
I have published Sandbag a few days early this
month so that everyone has a reminder of the
Social Evening at the next branch meeting on 15th
June. Which is a “Burgers & Bangers” Social
Evening Barbecue in the Beer Garden of the
Millers at 7.30 p.m. It is a no cost event, just pay
for any food and drink as required.
July branch meeting
Some branch members have said they would like to have
a traditional meeting once in a while at the Memorial
Hall, so on 20th July we will have a short branch
meeting in the hall again at 7 p.m., after which we will
have a social get-together. All branch information is in
Sandbag every month so in future we could have a
formal branch meeting perhaps quarterly and I will
ensure dates and details will be circulated well in
advance.
70th anniversary Russian
Convoys Medal
The Russian Government
have issued a new medal to all
Arctic Convoys sailors and
Joyce Bentley received Bert’s
medal recently. Sadly the
award of Russian medals came
too late and dear Bert
did not live to see
them. The splendid
medal, pictured above
is in recognition of the
sacrifices and
hardships suffered by
Allied sailors during
the Second World
War. Several years ago
Bert gave me his story
and I would like to
publish an updated
version
Joyce with Bert’s Russian
medals
Page 2 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
A Registered Charity. Charity No. 219279
www.britishlegion.org.uk
T.S Mantle Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets - Royal Navy Parade
On Tuesday 26th May 2015
Branch members Arthur Pickup,
John Pennington, Peter Cox and
Steve Lee attended the TS Mantle
VC Yeovil Sea Cadets and Royal
Marines Cadets Royal Navy
Parade at RNAS Yeovilton. The
parade takes place every two years
and is foremost an inspection of
the unit and gives the cadets the
opportunity to display their
training and skills in front of
parents and guests. Through the
Branch's affiliation with the cadets
a very warm welcome was
extended to attending members
and the four were treated to a first
class parade. After a 'Welcome
Brief', the inspection Officer and
Team arrived, followed by Colours and Prayers. The parade then formed up and the inspection was taken by
Commander Nigel Morton RN, South West Area Sea Cadets Area Officer and he was joined by RNAS CO
Commodore Jock Alexander. Following refreshments the cadets then performed the 'Cadets' Evolution',
which was a very entertaining re-enactment of their year's training and which involved a rubber chicken
(something of a tradition !)The evening ended with Evening Colours, Presentations and the Inspecting
Officer's Address. As always, TS Mantle's CO Lt. Hannah Robinson RNR took full care of the Branch
members and through this article we wish to extend our sincere thanks to Hannah and all of the cadets. Steve. (Photos Pete Cox)
Page 3 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
A Registered Charity. Charity No. 219279
www.britishlegion.org.uk
846 Naval Air Squadron Official Homecoming— one of our adopted units
With a Merlin flypast and role demonstration before an audience of VIPs and families, 846 Naval Air Squad-
ron hosted their official homecoming ceremony at RNAS Yeovilton. During the ceremony, the new 846 NAS
building was officially opened by the Guest of Honour, Brigadier Richard Spencer OBE ADC, who also pre-
sented four Afghanistan Operational Service medals to members of 846 NAS. Marking another milestone in
the transition of the Merlin multi-role helicopter from the Royal Air Force to the Royal Navy, the ceremony
reflected on the challenges faced by the 846 NAS personnel. Lt Col Derek Stafford MBE RM, Commanding
Officer of 846 Naval Air Squadron said, “The challenge of transition has been immense and it is testament to
the herculean efforts of both the CHF and RAF that 846 NAS has retaken it’s place within the Commando
Helicopter Force, fit for operations with it’s new airframe. I am extremely honoured to be not only the first
Commanding Officer of the Squadron in the Merlin era, but also the Commanding Officer with the privilege
of returning the Squadron to it’s spiritual home at RNAS Yeovilton.“ Just over 24 months ago 846 NAS were
operating the Sea King Mk4 helicopter in Afghanistan, moving to RAF Benson to begin the transition in
March 2013 followed by the Squadron standing up as the first Commando Helicopter Force Squadron to be
equipped with the Merlin in October 2014. Captain Niall Griffin, Commanding Officer of the Commando
Helicopter Force said: “The hard work that has enabled this transition across the whole of the Commando
Helicopter Force can not be underestimated, but despite the challenges the central purpose of the CHF has
always been, and will continue to be, the safe and effective support of Royal Marines Commandos from the
sea to the battlefield, across all environments. With the Merlin I forsee a very busy and successful future in
doing just that.” Having been through numerous incarnations during it’s 70 year life, 846 NAS has operated
many different aircraft in locations all over the world. From Avengers during World War Two to Sea Kings in
Afghanistan. Already a proven platform, the marinisation programme will see the Merlin Mk3 equipped with
a folding main rotor head and a modified undercarriage for deck landings. The Merlin will ensure the
Commando Helicopter Force continue to successfully support the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Joint
Helicopter Command. The Commando Helicopter Force’s transition from the Sea King Mk4 to the Merlin
will continue at RAF Benson when 845 Naval Air Squadron stand up in place of 28 (Army Cooperation)
Squadron RAF this month. When fully operational, 845 NAS will return home to Yeovilton to reunite all the
CHF Squadrons. The Commando Helicopter Force Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) currently consists of
four Naval Air Squadrons (NAS); 845, 846, 847 and 848 NAS. The Sea King Mk4 aircraft of the Commando
Helicopter Force will gradually be retired from service by April 2016. Its replacement, the Merlin Mk4 will be
derived from Merlin Mk3 airframes currently in service with 846 NAS based at RNAS Yeovilton and 845
NAS and 28 Sqn Royal Air Force at RAF Benson. 847 NAS operate the Wildcat AH1. The Naval Air Squad-
rons of CHF are integrated under the command of a Headquarters, established to operate helicopters afloat or
ashore in support of the UK armed forces. It is a combined Royal Navy and Royal Marine force that flies Sea
King, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters that specialises in amphibious warfare. The pilots are well-trained as
they combine commando combat and survival skills with advanced flying skills. They operate Sea King,
Merlin and Wildcat helicopters in extreme climates and conditions and their ability to work in terrain ranging
from arctic to tropical jungle is second to none. Operations in Borneo in the 1960s earned them the moniker
‘Junglies’ from the troops on the ground, which current and veteran Junglies covet to this day.
Kerry Randall, Public Relations Officer— Commando Helicopter Force
Page 4 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
A Registered Charity. Charity No. 219279
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Armed Forces Day 27th June
Lots will be happening on 27th June in Wincanton
when we hold our third Armed Forces Family
Event. This year because it has grown so much the
free event will take place at the Memorial Hall and
its grounds from noon onwards, there will be a big
military presence with a chance for the kids (and
parents) to get up close with lots of military
equipment and items – along with military
personnel from the Army Air Corps and
Commando Helicopter Force. There will be a
fairground carousel, demonstrations, face painting,
balloons, stalls with kids items and books etc., and
all day there will be a barbecue, music and licensed
bar. Refreshments will be available and there will
be music. It should be a good day for all the
family.
We do have volunteers who have come forward to
help but if you are willing to be around in case
further help is needed please feel free. If you still
have books for the popular book stall please
contact me.
Visit to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
As I mentioned at the last branch meeting and also
on the coach to Dawlish, we were offered a limited
amount of places to the Commandant’s Parade on
5th August at the Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst. I also did phone as many members as I
could and have now filled the coach. If you would
like to go on a waiting list please let me know.
For those confirmed on the trip I will need the full
payment once final costs are known, which I
estimate to be £15 for the coach and £10 for lunch
at the Academy.
Timings and dress code details will also be advised
in Sandbag next month.
The branch allocation of tickets to Festival of
Remembrance at the Albert Hall on
7th November has now been taken up by
members. Those confirmed will need to send me
a cheque after 1st July when the application for
tickets is made. It is however still possible to get
tickets to the afternoon performance after 1st
July. You will need to arrange your own
transport.
Next proposed coach trip to
Lynmouth & Lynton on 20th June
Our next proposed trip to Lynmouth and Lynton on 20th
June appears to have little interest so I have been forced
to CANCEL it. Sorry if this causes anyone
disappointment but I do not have any flexibility
July trip 25th July
I have just started a list for the July trip which is to
Sidmouth with a coffee and shopping stop at the big
Otter Garden at Ottery St. Mary. The advantage of
stopping at Ottery St. Mary is that large items can be
stored in the compartment underneath of the coach. The
Otter Garden Centre will also deliver big items free of
charge to their Wincanton branch.
Again prices for seats are as usual £12 and £6 but on this
occasion the coach will depart from Wincanton at
9 a.m. so we can have a lay in that day.
Old Faithful Day 25th June
We are continuing our observance of Old Faithful Day
on 25th June with our traditional ceremony at the memo-
rial on Bayford Hill at 11 a.m. (assembly 10.45 a.m.)
The American Flying Fortress aircraft crashed at Snag
Farm, below the memorial, on 25th June 1944 and as
usual we will be commemorating the event with the Last
Post and prayers at the site. Please attend if you can.
VJ Day 70th anniversary
I am just getting early information that the Wincanton
Town Council are organising a commemoration of the
70th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).
The actual anniversary of the total end of the Second
World War is 14th August when Japan actually
surrendered in 1945 but the RBL has announced that the
Nation will commemorate the event on 15th August as
the previous day is a Friday. Once I know the intentions
of the Town Council I will let everyone know. I believe
there may be a parade and possibly a concert or
something similar. Coincidentally we have booked that
day for our Coffee Morning so we will be doing
something too.